Textile Art From Around the Globe and Close to Home at DFAC

Textiles have been part of the human experience for more than 30,000 years, so obviously, there has been time for every culture to develop unique techniques and traditions.  The Dunedin Fine Art Center is showcasing four quilt/textile exhibits with a global perspective.

“What’s so fun is these exhibits are so diverse,” says Ken Hannon, DFAC’s Vice President and COO. “Each brings an overall sense of purpose.”

 

 

Tentmakers of Cairo

 

Historically crafted by men, Tentmaker work is brilliantly colored appliqué derived from mosque floors and Koranic calligraphy of Old Islamic Cairo.

Catherine Bergman, DFAC’s Curatorial Director, presents this exhibit in a style developed over hundreds of generations. “It’s like being in a bazaar,” says Hannon. “They are literally hung floor to ceiling, some hang three-high. It’s invigorating.”

Explore the intricacies of this virtuoso art form at tentmakersofcairo.com/the-history

 

 

Social Justice Sewing Academy

The Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA) is a youth education program bridging artistic expression with activism to advocate for social justice.

The program reaches youth through a series of hands-on workshops in schools, prisons and community centers across the country, using textile art as a vehicle for personal transformation.

These young artists develop a partnership with their communities and become “agents of social change.”

Explore the work of the Social Justice Sewing Academy at sjsacademy.org

 

 

 

Cloth in Common

Fiber arts of varied styles and expression all inspired by the theme of green spaces represent a 12-person international invitational fiber arts collective including “artistic, soulful perspectives from around the globe.”

“Our quilts are based on a one-word prompt submitted once every two months by a member. We have two months to complete the quilt.”

The artists share their work and thoughts at clothincommon.com

 

 

 

The Return of Velvet Elvis

DFAC’s Velvet Elvis 2020 was a huge success, even with the limitations we were all experiencing, so of course, Velvet Elvis 2021 has to happen!

Community artists painted a variety of velvety masterpieces which are currently hanging in the halls at DFAC, where patrons can choose their favorite by purchasing tickets and placing them with the painting of their choice. Tickets are five for $10 or 15 for $20. Elvis will be in the house on August 6 to name winners.

“The exhibits don’t compete with each other,” Hannon concludes. “Each is unique. I’m always amazed at textile art. It seems to be limitless.”

 

 

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